Kofun – ancient tumulus and Japanese history

The Kofun period is one of the most fascinating times in ancient Japanese history. Named after the funerary tumulus (kofun) built by the ruling class, this era shaped the foundations of the Japanese state and left a unique archaeological legacy in the world. Let’s dive into the history of these impressive funeral monuments.

History, Society and Customs of Japan: Diving into ancient and modern Japanese culture

What is the Kofun period?

The formation of the Japanese state took place during the Kofun era, between 250 and 538 AD. The term “kofun” literally means “old graves,” as it was during this period that thousands of monumental burials were built. According to Unesco data, it is estimated that more than 160,000 kofun were built on the Japanese archipelago.

This era is also marked by a deeply Shinto culture, prior to the introduction of Buddhism, whose beliefs strongly influenced the design and construction of tombs.

The origin and evolution of Japanese funeral tumulus

The practice of erecting monumental burial terres and burying treasures alongside the deceased arrived from the Asian continent during the third century. Originally devoid of ornaments, these tombs gradually became richer: as early as the sixth century, the funeral chambers already wore elaborate painted decorations.

The tumulus were surrounded by stones, while clay objects called haniwa were arranged all around the mounds to protect the site. With several levels and moat surrounded, the kofun was a real demonstration of power, strengthening the control and prestige of the ruling families.

The different forms of Kofun

The kofun have taken several forms over time:

• Information circular: the oldest form
• Rectangular
• Square
• Lockhole-shaped: the most emblematic and well-known form

This latter form, which appeared between the third and seventh centuries, derives its name from Daisen Kofun, the tomb dedicated to Emperor Nintoku, 16th Emperor of Japan. It directly referred to the idea of imperial power and authority.

Daisen Kofun: Japan’s largest tomb

The Daisen Kofun, located in the city of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, is the largest lockhole tomb ever built. Developed in the fifth century, around 399 BC, it is 486 meters long for 36 meters high.

This mausoleum, dedicated to Emperor Nintoku, ranks among the three largest tombs in the world, alongside the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor in China and the great pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Today, covered with dense vegetation, the site looks like a set of irregular hills: only an aerial view really makes it possible to distinguish the famous figure in a lockhole.

Hashihaka Kofun, the oldest tomb in a lockhole

Located in Makimuku District, Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Hashihaka Kofun is the oldest known tomb of this characteristic form. Built at the end of the third century, it extends 280 meters long.

Although nothing has yet been confirmed with certainty, archaeologists believe that this grave could belong to Himiko, the famous shaman queen of Yamatai in ancient Japan, or her successor Iyo.

Shintoism and funerary rituals

Shintoism is inseparable from Japanese society and culture. This tradition has neither founder nor official sacred writings nor fixed dogma, but it has preserved its fundamental beliefs and rituals throughout the centuries, especially those related to death.

At the origins of Japanese culture, Shintoism has profoundly influenced funeral ceremonies and rituals. These practices were gradually structured as the number of followers increased, giving rise to Shinto religion as it is known.

Haniwa: clay guards of tombs

Haniwa are one of the most emblematic elements of the funeral rituals of the Kofun period. These clay sculptures, usually buried with the deceased, could take the form of vases, characters or abstract motifs.

They were placed around and above the tombs and were responsible for delimiting and protecting the sacred space surrounding the deceased, thus playing a symbolic and protective role.

The decline of Kofun culture and the rise of Buddhism

Kofun culture dominated the Shinto period of Japanese history, but its decline began in the 7th century with the arrival of Buddhism. This new religion advocates, among other things, the impermanence of everything: everything that is born is destined to disappear, which has profoundly altered the Japanese relationship to death and mourning.

This evolution of beliefs led to the official ban on the construction of kofun in 646, decreed by Emperor Kōtoku. At the same time, the increasing use of cremation has also contributed to the gradual abandonment of this ancestral funeral practice.

The Kofun period remains an exceptional archaeological testimony of the formation of the Japanese state and its ancestral beliefs. From lockhole-shaped tumulus to protective haniwa, through the transition from Shintoism to Buddhism, this era continues to fascinate historians and visitors from all over the world, thanks in particular to emblematic sites such as the Daisen Kofun, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.